| Sometimes we save our best manners, our nicest | | | | opportunity. After reading a book or watching a movie |
| behavior, for special events -- like eating in nice | | | | or TV show or play with your children, ask them about |
| restaurants or visits to grandma's. But what, really, is | | | | the behavior. |
| more important than our own families? Sometimes it | | | | - "Was so-and-so a good friend?" |
| may seem easier to let loose and drop the good | | | | - "How can you tell?" |
| manners at home. But, what message does that send | | | | - "How would you have been a better friend if you |
| to our children? When we model our best behavior | | | | had been in that situation?" |
| even at home with our families, behind closed doors, | | | | Car Talk: |
| we teach our children how to show caring also for our | | | | The very best way to teach good behavior is to catch |
| "chosen families," our friends. | | | | your child doing something well and praise them. |
| Language: | | | | - "Wow! That was good sharing!" |
| - Good friends always see the best in each other and | | | | - "I am so proud of the way you stood up for your |
| offer supportive words at every opportunity -- even | | | | friend just then. You should be proud, too. You are a |
| when the friend is not present, friends always speak | | | | good friend." |
| positively of their friends. | | | | And, when you anticipate a situation in which your child |
| - Good friends give each other compliments. | | | | might need a little refresher, like before a playdate, you |
| Behavior: | | | | can engage them in conversation by asking questions |
| - Good friends listen to each other with interest. | | | | like: |
| - Good friends help each other solve problems. | | | | - "What would be a good way to decide who gets to |
| - Good friends treat their friends' families with the | | | | play with something you both want to play with?" |
| same respect as their own. | | | | - "What is the best way to interact with your friends' |
| Exercises: | | | | parents?" |
| When we pay attention, we can gently turn almost | | | | Be patient and be as consistent as possible. The |
| any shared activity with our children into a learning | | | | rewards in good behavior are well worth the effort. |